This study suggests that the combined treatment with bumetanide, quinapril and low-sodium diet for controlling moderate CHF due to mitral insufficiency in dogs is simple, easy-to-administer and effective in controlling clinical signs and prompting improvement even after short-term treatment.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of aminoglutethimide in the treatment of dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH). Ten dogs were diagnosed with PDH based on clinical and laboratory data, adrenal function tests (adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH] stimulation test and urinary cortisol/creatinine ratio [UCCR] combined with a high dose oral dexamethasone suppression test) and ultrasonographic evaluation of the adrenal glands. Aminoglutethimide was administered daily at a dose of 15 mg/kg bodyweight for one month. Median basal cortisol concentration and post-ACTH cortisol concentration one month after treatment were significantly lower than pretreatment values. Complete response was achieved in one dog, and partial response was obtained in three dogs. Severe side effects of anorexia, vomiting and weakness occurred in one dog and medication was withdrawn. Two further dogs developed decompensations of concurrent diseases and medication was stopped in these animals as well. Mild toxicity occurred in four dogs. Moderate to severe elevations in liver enzymes occurred in all dogs. The efficacy of this drug is lower than that observed using mitotane and ketoconazole, and adverse effects limit its use. Aminoglutethimide, using the protocol described, cannot be recommended for long-term management of PDH in the dog.

Forty-seven Presa canario dogs were diagnosed with congestive heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Supraventricular or ventricular tachydysrhythmias were found in 29 dogs. Atrial fibrillation was the most common dysrhythmia. Ventricular dysrhythmias were observed infrequently and had a very important prognostic value in Presa canario dogs with DCM. Abnormalities of cardiac conduction were diagnosed in 16 (34%) dogs and changes in wave morphology were found in 29 (62%) dogs. Normal sinus rhythm was recorded in only 12 (26%) Presa canario dogs with DCM.

No abstract

Abst rac tYnaraja, E., Caro, A. and Montoya, J.A. 2002. Effect of treatment with enalapril, frusemide a n d a low-sodium d i e t o n dogs w i t h m i t r a l regurgitation. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 219-224.Thirty-five dogs with coiigestive heart failure due to chronic initral valve disease were treated with fruseinide (1 ing/kg bid), enalapril (0.4 ing/kg bid) and a low-sodium diet to evaluated the effects produced by coinbiiiatioii of these drugs and to ascertain the possible iiegative effects following the use of these drugs. The treatment was safe, effective and well tolerated. No major side effects and no significant changes i n haeinatological and biochemical variables were observed.